The Nelson Revealed Part 4

The feature exhibit at the Nelson right now is a collection of photographs (vintage prints) by Edward Steichen. This collection is from the time that Steichen took photographs for Vogue. There are many famous people in these photographs a few of whose name I recognized. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take photos of the exhibit so you'll just have to go see it for yourself. (This was the one photo I took before getting reprimanded...you'd think they'd post that info) Only at the Nelson until July 25th!

"Take good photographs and the art will take care of itself"

Edward Steichen

The Nelson Revealed Part 3

She's here!!

2,300 Year Old Nobel Woman Meretites

(Well she's not actually here. Her mummy is actually missing but we have the inner case, outer case, and a protective apron)

Go check her out! She's pretty cool!

Steven is One!

Happy Birthday Steven!

Kathryn and I have been best friends since high school so I love her little baby Steven like a nephew. Here Kathryn and Steven visit the zoo.

And here Steven shows off his first hair cut!

I love books so Steven is getting some big boy books for his first birthday. No more baby board books for this little guy.

Hope you have a wonderful birthday Steven!

If you want to hear more about Steven's adventures look here.

The Nelson Revealed Part 2

I'm a huge Van Gogh fan. I want to visit New York City to see Starry Night. And I want to visit Amsterdam, not for the reasons of most Americans who visit, but to see the Van Gogh museum. I learned something new about Van Gogh at the Nelson. Most people think of Van Gogh as a crazy guy who cut off his ear, but apparently he was very professional when it came to painting. When he could he bought the best paints, just like Monet, whose colors would stand the test of time and not fade. AND... he used tons of brushes! Instead of wiping a brush and going from one color to another, like I do, he would have a different brush for each color. You can see the distinct colors in this close up.

Van Gogh, you may have had a tough life, but you got one thing right...Painting!

The Nelson Revealed Part 1

At the Nelson this summer they are looking carefully at Monet's Waterlilies. This is one of the Nelson's prized paintings. They are doing the work right in the gallery because the painting is too big to move into the conservator's space. (This also happens to be the same gallery I saw Steve Martin in earlier this year)

Here the conservators x-rayed a portion of the painting. The lead white paint shows up in the x-ray so we can see the underpainting. This tells us that Monet reworked and shifted some of the waterlilies. This painting is a triptych which means Monet meant for it to be seen all together. But don't be sad that the Nelson only have the right piece because the other two are coming! That's right folks, the entire piece is going to be together again in April. This hasn't been done since 1979.

The best part of the gallery talk was the question and answer section. I could listen to these people talk for a long time. I learned about how Monet was rather good at marketing his paintings and make the most money out of all the impressionist. At the time we painting these waterlilies he was quite well off and therefore had the money to buy good paints, which he was rather particular about. He wanted to use paints that wouldn't color shift. This was a big problem for artist as colorists were coming out with new colors. The colors are blended with something, but sometimes the pigments fade leaving just the gray substance it was blending with. Here I knew exactly what the curator was talking about because I have been reading Color by Victoria Finley. Haven't read the whole book yet, but very fascinating about where pigments originate from.

Not a poolside read, but have really enjoyed picking it up occasionally and reading about a color.

Back to the Nelson. I also learned that Monet didn't even want to use varnish because he was afraid of the yellow tint it might give his painting as the painting aged. So if you see a Monet with varnish applied it is very possible to an art dealer applied it later. Monet wanted his paintings out there therefore let the dealers do want they may. This may be why the three paintings were separated in the first place.

Another interesting fact. In the bottom left corner there appears to be Monet's signature. False! It's actually a stamp! The dealer would stamp it with Monet's signature so he could sell his paintings.

More tales from the Nelson to come!

Book Review of the Secret History of the Pink Carnation

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation

by Lauren Willig

I love historical fiction and so does Lauren Willig. How do I know? She told me herself! That's right folks our book club got to have a conversation with Lauren over the phone. She's about our age and really down to earth. How many authors do you know that will let you call them for your book club? Check out her website and you too can talk to Lauren Willig.

http://www.thepinkcarnation.com/

The book is the beginning of a series about spies trying to prevent a French invasion of England. I loved several of the women in this book because they really surprised me. Watch out for that Miss Gwen, she will really fool you! So if you're looking for a good romantic pool read, this could be your book.

Happy Reading!

Brookside Find

Chicago L Train

While at the Brookside Art Fair at found this beautiful print along with a wonderful coffee mug. Unfortunately, I recently broke the mug in a freak kitchen accident. But at least I still have the print. I recently decided it was time to get it on display.

I got a steal of a deal with this frame. Got it 60% off and then another 15% percent with my teacher discount. I think it looks pretty wonderful. Now I just have to decide where to hang it.